Capstone Experience

A capstone is the top and last stone to be placed in a structure, as in an arch. A capstone course is one that allows students to apply many aspects of the major in one experience. Senior anthropology majors can choose from a variety of capstone experiences that fulfill major requirements. These include additional laboratory or fieldwork experience, independent research with faculty supervision, honors research, and internship courses. The Chicago Metropolitan area provides many opportunities for students to integrate classroom learning with real-world activities, and the capstone experience can help students prepare for a career in an anthropology-related field or graduate training.

The capstone experience should ordinarily take place in the senior year, after the student has completed the majority of the BA/BS degree requirements, including courses in anthropological methods and theory. Students interested in pursuing a capstone experience should speak with their faculty advisor and/or potential research supervisor(s) as soon as possible, but no later than fall semester of the senior year.